Acetec (Enalapril Maleate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Acetec Used For?
Acetec contains enalapril maleate and belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. It is prescribed to help manage two main heart-related conditions.
Primary Uses
Acetec is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension) and to treat heart failure. For hypertension, it helps prevent serious complications like stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. For heart failure, it can slow disease progression, reduce hospital stays, and may help patients live longer.
How It Works
Acetec works by widening your blood vessels, which allows blood to flow through them more easily. This means your heart doesn’t have to pump as hard to move blood around your body. During exercise or physical activity, your heart may cope better and you may not get short of breath as easily.
Good to know: Acetec is not addictive and can be safely taken long-term as prescribed by your doctor.
How to Take Acetec
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your condition and other medications you may be taking. Take Acetec at the same time each day for best results.
Dosage Instructions
For high blood pressure: Most patients start with 5 mg once daily, though some may need a lower starting dose. The dose may be increased based on your blood pressure response, with most patients taking between 10-40 mg daily. For heart failure: The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily, which may be increased up to 20 mg daily, taken once or divided into two doses. Swallow tablets with a glass of water. It doesn’t matter if you take it before or after food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Important: Never stop taking Acetec or change your dose without checking with your doctor first, even if you feel better.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Mild stomach upsets
- Muscle cramps
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fainting
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Skin rash
- Frequent infections
- Signs of dehydration
- Allergic reactions (swelling of face/throat, hives, shortness of breath)
- Chest pain
- Numbness or weakness of arms or legs
- Wheezing due to chest tightness
- Passing less urine than normal
Important Warnings
Before taking Acetec, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Acetec
Do not take Acetec if you: are allergic to enalapril maleate or any ingredients; have had allergic reactions to other ACE inhibitors causing swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; have unexplained swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, or feet; have diabetes and take aliskiren; are taking neprilysin inhibitors (like sacubitril); are pregnant or breastfeeding; or if the packaging is damaged or expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease or are on dialysis; diabetes; heart problems; recent severe vomiting or diarrhea; very low salt diet; low blood pressure; scheduled surgery or dental procedures; or if you take potassium supplements, potassium-sparing medications, or potassium-containing salt substitutes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Acetec should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The medicine can be absorbed by your baby through the womb or breast milk, potentially causing harm. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Acetec.
Surgery Alert: Tell your doctor or dentist that you’re taking Acetec before any surgery or dental procedures, as your blood pressure may drop suddenly with anesthesia.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Acetec, either increasing or decreasing its effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
Diabetes Alert: If you have diabetes, you’ll need close monitoring for low blood sugar, especially during your first month of treatment.
- Other blood pressure medications
- Diuretic tablets (water pills)
- Potassium tablets and potassium-containing salt substitutes
- Potassium-sparing agents (spironolactone, eplerenone, triamterene, amiloride)
- Trimethoprim-containing products
- Arthritis medicines including gold therapy
- mTOR inhibitors (temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus)
- Neprilysin inhibitors (sacubitril)
- Vildagliptin
- NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors (pain/inflammation medicines)
- Lithium (for mood disorders)
- Insulin and oral diabetes medications
Alcohol & Driving
Acetec can cause dizziness and light-headedness, which may be worsened by alcohol and can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse. Tell your doctor about your alcohol consumption as they may advise you to limit your intake.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Acetec may cause dizziness or light-headedness, especially after your first dose or when your dose is increased. Make sure you know how you react to Acetec before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that could be dangerous if you feel dizzy.
Storage
Store Acetec below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep tablets in the original blister pack until it’s time to take them – don’t transfer to another container as they may become soft and crumbly. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you take too many Acetec tablets, you will likely feel light-headed, dizzy, or may faint. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, even if there are no obvious symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acetec helps control your blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure these conditions. You must take it every day as prescribed. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure regularly to ensure it’s working effectively.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Acetec before or after food. Take it with a glass of water at the same time each day for best results.
No, Acetec is not addictive. However, you should not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this could cause your blood pressure to rise again.
Do not stop taking Acetec or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to rise again, which may lead to serious health problems.
If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse. Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake while taking Acetec.
Get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up. This helps your body adjust to changes in position and blood pressure. Make sure you drink enough water, especially during exercise and hot weather. If dizziness continues or worsens, talk to your doctor.
Yes, go to your doctor regularly for check-ups. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and may occasionally do blood tests to check your potassium levels and kidney function.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.